Residents began using Route 9 library services after the facility's doors opened at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Megan Pauly
/ Delaware Public Media

The brand new $31 million dollar Route 9 Library and Innovation Center opened its doors Tuesday morning.

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Over 300 community members turned out Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the multi-purpose facility, including a group of kids like 8 year-old Zy-Rin Smack.

“So far it looks really nice," Smack said.

Smack is part of the Young Leaders Institute. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, the group of 8 to 15 year-olds will participate in new programming at the Route 9 Library twice a month.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer says the library is also strategically situated along the route 9 corridor in New Castle because many residents nearby are struggling or unemployed. It's also the first new library for New Castle County since the 1970s.

“Let’s keep in mind that this is just a canvas for us," Meyer said. "It’s our job now – going forward – to figure out how we fill that canvas.”

Justin Clifton lives in nearby Garfield Park.

“A lot of people here…they’re just down in the dumps," Clifton said. "They feel that no one is here for them. This library is going to do wonders for our community.”

Job training, such as a "Re-Wire To Be Re-Hired" program for those who’ve been out of work for a while, are among the resources that will be offered at the new facility.

And 10 organizations so far have signed on to use the space for community engagement efforts.

School librarians could become a mandatory school hire in Delaware should state lawmakers pass a new bill introduced last week.

Backed by Rep. Paul Baumbach (D-Newark) and others, every public elementary, middle and high school in all districts would be required to employ at least one librarian at all times – with district dollars if need be.

Requests to boost operating levies in the Christina and Milford School Districts have already failed this year multiple times, forcing officials to cut programs and personnel.

Library patrons in New Castle County have a chance to celebrate the holidays by donating food and getting a little back for their generosity. The libraries are granting amnesty on fines up to $25 in exchange for nonperishable food items.